Life Down West

Every woman I have ever talked to so far in my postpartum journey has agreed that breastfeeding is a nightmare. Even the moms who breastfeed beautifully, will probably agree that the learning curve was a nightmare. For your first baby, you don’t know what to expect. People ask, “Will you be breastfeeding?”. I always answered with, “Well I’m going to try”.

How can the most natural thing in the world feel the most awkward. I remember giving birth to my baby and she latched on beautifully during golden hour. I thought wow this is so easy. Then, every feed after that was a nightmare. Between bleeding, chapped nipples, low supply, poor latch, you name it I have been there. I breastfed my baby for one year, six months exclusively, and it was far from easy or “natural”. We eventually got the swing of things but it wasn’t without challenge. Here is my guide to make your life a little easier. Whether you’re pregnant and looking to be prepared or trying to get into the swing of things, hopefully this guide will help.

1. Silverettes

These things quite literally saved my nipples. I would use them for like 30 mins-1 hour after feeding and the relief I felt after was priceless. Your milk pools in the cups and with the silver helps to heal. I went from chapped and bleeding to instantly feeling relief. My lactation consultant recommended to not leave them on for long periods of time as it can cause the nipple to get soggy and damaged so using for 30 mins-1 hour worked great for me. They are on the expensive side and I know they make cheaper alternatives but for this I would pay the extra to ensure the quality is the highest.

2. Pump / Extra Pump Parts

If you are thinking about pumping in any capacity, it is important to get a reliable breast pump. I went with the Spectra S2 but quickly realized my error that the pink option is not portable! Don’t be like me and make sure you go with the S1 because it is portable and you won’t be attached to a wall. I had a love hate relationship with my Spectra. It was a great pump don’t get me wrong. I would use it again in a heartbeat for my next baby, but pumping is no joke and so draining so love but also hate.

If you are pumping frequently, it is great to have spare pump parts. It will just make cleaning so much easier. You can just do one big wash rather than washing it all the time. Also, you can find a flange that is your correct size which is great. I’ll talk about that next.

3. Flange Inserts

The most important thing if you are pumping is a correct flange size! If you are using the incorrect size, you might be getting lower amounts of milk or damaging your nipples. You need to measure your nipple size and go one to two millimetres bigger for the flange to fit correctly. For example, if you are a 16mm when measuring you would then use a 17mm or 18mm insert. Spectra usually gives you a size 24 or bigger. Did you know they based these measurements on cows? That’s a story for another time. It is very unlikely the flange given in the kit will fit, so make sure to measure and use the correct size.

4. Freezer Bag

This was actually the most surprising things that we used all the time and still use 18 months later. This freezer bag is so great for pumping on the go or if bottle feeding to have the milk ready. We use this still for toddler snacks and drinks. It was a life saver for us. We used the Tommee Tippee bottle warmer thermos to heat the bottle up so all you need is hot water which was great! .

5. Nipple Butter

Nipple cream or butter is essential for pumping or just breastfeeding in general. It soothes the nipples but also is great for pumping as a lubricant for the pump which is essential. This one is great because it’s lanolin free which is a common allergen and it’s organic and does not need to be wiped off before nursing.

6. Lady Bug / Original Haakaa

The Haakaa is great for when you want to start building a freezer supply. If you start collecting milk with the Haakaa while nursing on the other side, you will slowly build up your freezer stash so you will have enough for the first bottle for your baby if you want to introduce bottles. This way when baby is having a bottle you would then pump. I always wondered how you get the first bottle of breastmilk and this was my method. It was great to have my husband be able to feed and made it easier to start building a small freezer stash. Just be careful with the original Haakaa that is could potentially lead to an oversupply due to the suction. The ladybug has less section and mostly just collects the excess. I did not have an oversupply issue but it’s good to know and this pack has both options!

7. Breastmilk Freezer Bags

If you are pumping or collecting any excess milk, you will need freezer bags to store the milk. These are great because you can label them with how much you collected and the date. They also come with so many so you may never even run out. I didn’t!

8. Reusable Breast Pads

These are a must for any new mom. You will be leaking like crazy especially if you continue to breastfeed. I think I was leaking for the first three months. These are such a lifesaver when you’re out and about or just around the house and you don’t want to change your top constantly. I love the reusable ones because they are comfortable and can be used over and over again. It is also less waste.

9. Fenugreek Capsules

If you are struggling with low milk supply, Fenugreek capsules may be the answer. My lactation consultant recommended to take 3 capsules 3 times a day. I know it sounds like a lot but it may help increase supply. It will also make your B.O. and pee smell like maple syrup which is kind of wild. I will link a resource about the benefits here but just like any supplement it is important to talk to your doctor or lactation consultant before you begin any new supplement when breastfeeding. I know they make all kinds of supplements for breastfeeding moms but my lactation consultant recommended just plain old fenugreek.

10. Body Armor / Oats

The most important thing while breastfeeding is to stay hydrated. I love Body Armor because it has electrolytes and some flavor because sometimes when you are drinking water all day it’s nice to have a little flavor. Also anything with oats are great for milk supply so granola bars or just oatmeal can boost supply.

I hope you liked this guide and whatever your breastfeeding journey may look like just know you are a rockstar! Let me know if you have any questions or comments below.